Incorporation of Goldsmiths Goblet Commission

In 2018 I was awarded the Outstanding Scottish Student Award by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of Edinburgh. The design for this goblet has been carefully considered to enhance the drinking experience.

Inspired by a stem less wine glass, it’s conical shape is designed to maximise the aromas of your drink. The base and the goblet are two separate entities; the base supports the goblet keeping the liquid cold. When the user drinks from the goblet they lift it from its base. Whilst using this vessel your little finger fits into the dimple in the base. Your other fingers are left to explore the pattern of raised dots chased into the surface.

Following on from my graduation collection, the dots spell out the word ‘touch’ in braille. These have been up scaled into three graduating sized bands of braille as to become almost illegible from their original format. This highlights the findings of my research; that only 2% of people with visual impairments can read braille. Like other forms of coded language, sometimes this is inaccessible, even to the subset of population it is designed for. The configuration of braille dots which runs close to the rim of the vessel involves your lips in the narrative, the lower bands engage the fingers in the drinking experience.

The braille dots will reflect the gilding from the vessel’s base. The base alters the vessel from a wine beaker to a goblet; giving it height and status. The polished gold finished base is a beautiful juxtaposition to the brushed matte top section. The polished interior of the goblet will reflect the colour of the liquid being drunk.

This piece focuses on sensory user experience for the hands, mouth and eyes. This goblet is designed as an encouragement to consider the joys of all our senses, including taste – something that every meal should be.

Photos by Colin Hattersley